Loyal New Zealand women Katey Martin on Wednesday called time for her decorated cricket career, which lasted 21 years. The 37-year old wicketkeeper batter has represented New Zealand in 103 ODIs, 95 T20 Internationals (T20Is) and one Test, falling just one short in making 200 international appearances. “It has been an incredible experience. To all my teammates, coaches, opponents, fans and friends I have met along the way, I would like to thank you for making my time in cricket so memorable,” said Martin in a New Zealand Cricket release.
“I would also like to thank New Zealand Cricket, the New Zealand Cricket Players Association and Otago Cricket for their support throughout my career,” she continued.
“Cricket has truly given me my life – from leaving Dunedin as a youngster to attend the NZC Academy in Christchurch, to traveling the world as a White Fern and representing my country – it’s a dream come true,” said Martin.
She also expressed her gratitude to her parents for the support they showed her.
“I have been fortunate to have a very supportive family all along. My father traveled to India in 2003 for my debut and has made his presence known around the borders ever since,” she said.
“Both Mom and Dad took a motorhome around the North Island for the recent Women’s World Cup – to say I’ve been lucky enough to have them with me on this trip is an understatement,” said Martin.
Martin revealed that she had nearly made a decision ahead of New Zealand’s final match in the Women’s World Cup against Pakistan earlier this year.
“I knew it could be my last time to play for New Zealand if I go to that game, so I was quite emotional.” she said. “I took some time after the tournament to talk to family and friends to support my decision before making it official today.”
Martin had made her international debut in 2003 with a test match against India. She later made her ODI debut on the same tour, at Brabourne Stadium.
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Her T20I debut came in 2008 against Australia Women.
She finished her career with 1793 runs in ODIs and 996 runs in T20Is. She also took 63 catches and performed 19 stumpings in the 50-over format, while taking 33 catches and performing 24 stumpings in T20Is.
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